Bianca Latvala lands support from Clearwater City Council majority as she seeks to join them

Bianca Latvala has earned support from three members of the Clearwater City Council, including from the member she is running to replace.

Latvala has received endorsements from Seat 3 member Mike Mannino, Seat 4 officeholder David Allbritton, and Lina Teixeira, who represents Seat 5.

Latvala is seeking Seat 4 to replace Allbritton, who is retiring. The remaining City Council member, Ryan Cotton, has not yet endorsed in the race. Latvala so far faces just one candidate, community advocate and freelance journalist Jared Leone. Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector also previously endorsed Latvala.

Allbritton, in his endorsement, said he is confident in Latvala’s ability to successfully succeed him.

“She understands the importance of listening to residents, respecting taxpayers, and making thoughtful decisions that keep Clearwater bright and beautiful, bay to beach,” Allbritton said. “Bianca represents a new generation of leadership — someone who is energetic, approachable, and focused on issues that matter to our residents.”

Latvala is a local GOP political strategist and wife of Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala. She is running a campaign focused on affordability, fiscal responsibility, economic vitality and strengthening the community for the future.

In addition to her political work, Latvala works in digital marketing, where she partners with businesses and organizations to improve strategy and growth, a role that has given her firsthand insight into how city decisions impact local small businesses.

Latvala currently serves on boards for the Rotary Club of Clearwater, PACE Center for Girls, and the Lyla Goode Foundation. She also serves as Chair of the City of Clearwater’s Community Resiliency and Leisure Services Committee, helping guide efforts that strengthen neighborhoods, enhance recreation and support long-term planning for the city’s future.

“Bianca has shown a strong commitment to Clearwater through her service to our community. She works hard, listens to residents, and truly cares about making our city better,” Mannino said.

And Teixeira, who is leaving office after this term, concurred.

“As I prepare to step away, I’ll admit there has been a sense of regret in wondering whether my departure might leave a void. That’s why I feel genuinely reassured and deeply grateful that Bianca is stepping forward to run for council,” she said.

“Her leadership gives me confidence that those important perspectives will not only continue but also be strengthened on the Council. Bianca brings a diverse set of skills and has been actively involved in the community long before deciding to run, demonstrating a genuine commitment to serving others. I am confident she will carry this work forward in a meaningful and impactful way.”

The latest endorsements follow a nod from Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support of these respected leaders who have dedicated so much to our city,” Latvala said. “Clearwater has a strong foundation, and I’m committed to building on that by listening to residents and working hard to make Clearwater even better.”

Chris Latvala was instrumental in what turned out to be a red wave in Clearwater in the 2024 election cycle. He helped Rector get elected as Mayor, and backed Republican Council members Cotton and Mannino as they won seats.

The Latvala name has long been synonymous with behind-the-scenes work on behalf of GOP candidates. Chris Latvala’s father, Jack Latvala, is a well-known force in local and state politics once considered one of the most powerful political professionals in Florida.

The Clearwater City Council election is Aug. 18.